The Ethereum Foundation faces a lawsuit from Kayleen Fulton, a former protocol support team lead, who claims she was dismissed after disclosing a cancer diagnosis and opposing a controversial staff mandate. The legal complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado on November 4, also names Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and four additional individuals as defendants.
Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination
Fulton, recognized in the Ethereum community by the nickname “Nixo,” alleges that she was terminated on April 6, just 13 days after informing management of her medical condition. According to the filing, Bastian Aue, who served as the foundation’s co-executive director at the time, dismissed Fulton. The lawsuit claims that Buterin, as a board member, endorsed and enforced the mandate in question, contributing to the decision.
The complaint further states that Fulton, along with colleague Trent Van Epps, organized a letter in response to a newly introduced directive imposed by the foundation. This letter, supported by 53 staff members, expressed agreement with the goals of the new mandate but objected to a clause requiring employees to affirm the mandate as a condition of employment. Both Fulton and Van Epps were allegedly terminated on the same day, with only a half-hour between the notifications.
Fulton claims that the foundation’s leadership retaliated against her for both revealing her cancer diagnosis and advocating for staff concerns regarding employment conditions.
According to court documents, Fulton seeks compensation for lost wages, damages, attorney’s fees, and alleges disability discrimination, retaliation, and infringement of her rights under medical leave laws.
Mandate Controversy and Internal Objections
The new foundation directive became a matter of internal dispute after some employees raised concerns about its language, particularly a reference to ritual suicide. The lawsuit states that Aue assured staff that this reference was figurative.
Fulton’s complaint records that the letter organized by her and Van Epps was meant to advocate for staff input while accepting the broader vision of the foundational changes.
In a letter dated May 14, a lawyer representing Ethereum Asia Pacific Limited, the Singapore-based affiliate of the Ethereum Foundation, disputed all allegations of unlawful conduct or retaliation against Fulton. The attorney also insisted that Fulton’s separation agreement remained valid and binding.
Mini dictionary: Ethereum Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the development and maintenance of the Ethereum blockchain network, plays a central role in grant funding, protocol upgrades, and community development within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Neither the Ethereum Foundation, Fulton, nor Van Epps responded to requests for comment before publication.
The foundation’s Singapore legal affiliate denied all claims of misconduct and emphasized the finality of Fulton’s separation agreement.
Vitalik Buterin continues to serve as a central figure in Ethereum, the blockchain network known for pioneering smart contracts and decentralized applications within the cryptocurrency space.
